MY DEAR SIR,-I was much pleased when I heard that the Primitive Standard was conceived; and still more so, when I learned that it was brought forth, especially as certain efforts had been made to cause an abortion! Feeling some interest in its welfare, and desirous of knowing something of its nature, I invited it to visit me. On my return home, I was happy to find that it had accepted the invitation, and was waiting my return. I found it very communicative; and hence I learned something of its nature and design. Finding that its intentions are to promote "earnest christianity, peace, temperance, and the voluntary principle," we soon became very friendly, and spent the evening together with considerable pleasure. I must say this interview increased my attachment of it, and I trust our friendship will be lasting. I was happy that it appeared healthy and strong. It is true some parties had said, "It will not live; but, for my part, I could not see any symptoms of disease nor death about it. I trust its literary life will be long and useful. Heaven speed it!

Finding our first interview thus agreeable, I solicited a monthly visit. It has therefore called a second time, and I am very happy to see that it has greatly improved during the past month. And I hope it will not only improve in quality, but soon increase in quantity; and instead of its visits being monthly, become fortnightly, or WEEKLY! As the young Primitive Standard breathes a kindly spirit, and promises to be "the friend of all, but the enemy of none," it deserves, and, I hope, will have a wide circulaA Travelling Preacher, and yours truly,

tion.

Dec. 9th, 1853. A. B. DEAR SIR,-I wish you success with your "Primitive Standard." I think it may become an organ of great service to our connexion; and from the calm and christian spirit you have manifested towards the "Book Committee," there is much reason to expect it will be conducted in a manner creditable to its editor, and honourable to the community, for whose profit it is designed.

I am glad to inform you, that the Standard is favourably received in the north: and I have no doubt, in the course of a few months, it will obtain a wide circulation. You may depend upon the little influence I possess being used in its favour. And there are many respectable and intelligent persons in this neighbourhood equally well disposed. You are right in not being very angry with the Book Committee; for, by saving you the expense of an advertisement, they have raised you many friends.

Yours very respectfully,

"FAR NORTH."

DEAR BROTHER CHURCH,-I should have communicated with you at first, but your not issuing a detailed prospectus, nor indeed giving any clue to your end or means awakened suspicion, that party purposes might inspire the effort to establish a paper.

Truth, Sir, is of NO PARTY. When, therefore, one side only of any question is adopted, either in ignorance of the other side, or in interested opposition to it; truth may retire abashed at the villainy of such, as under a christian profession, ignore the right, in order to serve their side. I should have been better pleased with a candid statement of principles, end, and means, from you; however your second number partly meets the case, and the spirit you have manifested under provocation, commends you to the principled, the pious, and the wise.

I think you must require all who would appear in your columns to be choice and sparing in words, rich and racy in ideas. Quality, not quantity must be regarded. I am glad to see that you are alive to this. Your News Column" is excellent. "Paternoster Row" is in good taste.

Dear Church: you have taken a position which will expose you to many annoyances. You will need patience, firmness, and the love which " rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth." Never lend yourself to any person or party. Stand erect, and God will be with you!

I shall endeavour to promote the circulation of the "Standard" in this circuit, as far as I am able. Will try to get you an "Agent." I shall be happy also to furnish you with any items of news, &c.

Success my friend. Heaven prosper you!

A SUPERINTENDENT PREACHER.

DEAR BROTHER CHURCH,-I must say that I had my fears, when the Standard' was first announced, that you intended to commence a course of agitation in the connexion. However I am glad to see that you do not Those crokers never were intend to countenance restless fault-finders. worth twopence to the connexion. They will be of no real service to you in the end. Had the connexion been left to such men, it would have been rent into fragments long ago! The Primitive Methodist Connexion was not raised up by such agitators, but by men of peace and piety-men filled with the Holy Ghost-whose only object was to glorify God in the salvation of souls, and it can only be carried forward in its original power and simplicity, by men of the same spirit. My dear Brother, let the pages of your 'Standard' be employed in aiding these men in their great work, then it will receive the approbation of the Almighty, be a blessing to the connexion, and to the "wide, wide world." That this may be the case, is the prayer of, a Superintendent Preacher,

Dec. 16th, 1853.

ARISTARCHIAN. *

*WE thank "Aristarchian" for his communication; and we are glad to announce that many of our travelling preachers are beginning to place confidence in our professions of determined faithfulness to the interests of our own connexion, and the cause of onward godliness, everywhere, by corresponding with us. It is possible, however, that we may utter occasionally, "forcible truths," in antagonism to wide-spread opinion; but such truths shall invariably belong to the "Primitive Standard," as set up by Paul in Eph. iv. 15, "Speaking the truth in love." EDITOR.

Agricultural.

POSTS AND STAKES.

MR. EDITOR,-I have been a constant reader of the New England Farmer over one year, and do not recollect of seeing anything in it about setting posts and stakes in fences. I had heard it stated that the top end of the stick should be stuck in the ground. In 1838, I took a stick fourteen feet long and cut it in the middle, setting the butt of one up, and the other down, twelve feet apart. In five years, the one with the butt down rotted off, and the other stands sound yet.

A person writing in the Hartford Times several years since, said that in taking up a fence that had been set fourteen years, he noticed that some of the posts remained nearly sound, while others were rotted off at the bottom. On looking for the cause, he found that those posts that were set limb part down, or inverted from the way they grew, were sound. Those that were set as they grew, rotted off.

"A farmer," writing in the Germantown Telegraph in 1849, says a gentleman in one of the New England States set a series of white ash posts, and for the purpose of testing the theory, set every other one top part down. After eight years the inverted posts were sound and good, while those that had been set with the butts down were, in almost every instance, decayed.

Another person in the same State set two chesnut posts for the purpose end down very rotten, while the other, set with the top end in the soil, of hanging a gate. After a lapse of eighteen years, he found the one butt scarcely exhibited any appearance of rot.

The reason probably is, that the sap vessels are filled with sap, undergo a chemical change, and induces internal decay, while the moisture from the earth carries on the same operation on the external parts of the wood. Or, it may be, that the tubes through which the sap ascends have valves or separations, to prevent the weight of the sap from falling back, and that if the posts are set as they grew, the moisture would rise as did the sap. While if inverted, not only would the sap flow down, leaving the post dry, but no moisture would rise.

But we are not certain about this. The subject is important, and worthy the attention of some of our scientific correspondents.

Was

All persons making fence, will do well to remember these facts. THE BARRISTER MATCHED.-At a late quarter sessions, a man brought up by a farmer, and accused of stealing some ducks. The farmer said he should know them anywhere, and went on to describe their peculiarity. "Why," said the counsel for the prisoner, "they can't be such a rare breed, I have some like them in my yard." "That's very likely, sir,” said the farmer; "they are not the only ducks I have had stolen lately."

Primitive Methodist Intelligencer.

On Monday, a tea meeting followed by a public meeting, presided over by Mr. Tillett, gave further aid to the School. The chairman's address will long be remembered with pleasure and profit by the congregation. The cost of the improvements is upwards of £50, of which more than £20 is obtained, besides other sums promised.--N. NEWS.

SCARBOROUGH.-PRIMITIVE METHODIST TEA MEETING.-The Primitive Methodist Society held their annual missionary tea meeting in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, Vernon-place, on Friday last, when about 380 persons partook of an excellent repast gratuitously provided for the occasion. Much credit is due to the ladies for the rich supply of good things furnished for this festive season; and the steady demeanour of the assembly, with the enterestin; and devotional character of the addresses delivered by several ministers and friends, during the evening, must have rendered this Meeting a subject of pleasing and profitable reflection to many minds, while considerable aid was furnished to the mission funds.- December 3.

BRYNMAWR.-The anniversary of the Primitive Methodist Chapel was celebrated on Sunday, Nov. 20th, when the Rev. M. Harvey preached at 10 o'clock, and the Rev. W. Rowe at 24 and 6; the congregations were good, and collections satisfactory. A tea meeting was held a few weeks previous, for the same object. About 450 persons partook of the cup which cheers but not inebriates, and a handsome profit of nearly £17 was realised. A public meeting was held the same evening; the Rev. J. White being called to the chair. The following brethren, in succession, addressed the meeting in a lively, interesting, and satisfactory manner,-J. Withers, J. James, J. Protherve, T. Fudge, R. Thatcher, M. Harvey, W. Lewis, W. Ford, S. Thatcher, and J. Ricks. The doxology was sung, and the meeting concluded; every one retiring highly pleased and delighted with the services of the evening. "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell to gether in unity."-JOHN RICKS, LOCAL PREACHER.

Nov. 23rd, 1853.

VALEDICTORY SERVICES.-ST. IVES' CIRCUIT.-On the 5th Nov. the Rev. J. Sharp (late superintendent of this circuit) delivered a valedictory discourse in the Primitive Chapel, St. Ives. The spacious building was literally crammed with the most deeply-attentive audience we ever mingled with; among whom we observed a goodly number of office-bearers and members of every denomination in the town. The preacher made but little reference to his departure in his sermon, but at the close he gave a parting address. The scene was deeply affecting. Both the preacher and people wept. The articulation of the former was often indistinct by the pressure of feeling under which he laboured, and the latter "sorrowed the more because they should see his face no more." On Monday, 6th, the Penzance Primitive Methodist Society invited Mr. S. to a tea meeting, when he was presented with many valuable works. After the trays were removed a public meeting was held, presided over by brother J. Whitford, and addresses were delivered by Messrs. Sharpe, Pullen, Butcher, Pascoe, and Kessel. Mr. S. left us laden with "Mementos of affectionate regard," and followed by the ardent prayers of a loving people. We feel pleased to notice the interest taken in Mr. Sharpe's departure by the members of other churches, and who manifested that interest by the many costly and valuable books with which they presented him. Mr. S. has, by his superior abilities, urbanity, and unwearied labours in the cause of God and humanity, endeared himself to all who knew him, and we pray earnestly that He who "holdeth the winds in his fists, and the waves in the hollow of his hands," will protect him and his family while crossing the briny deep, and that his labours at Sydney may be crowned with abundant success-JUNIUS.

GOLD'S GREEN.-CHAPEL RE-OPENING.-The Primitive Methodist Chapel (having been closed for needful alterations, improvements, and repairs) was re-opened, on Sunday, Nov. 27, on which occasion three very instructive and profitable sermons were preached; those in the morning and evening by the Rev. J. H. Beevers, of Derby; and that in the afternoon by Mr. H. Collier, of Gold's Green. The collections amounted to the noble sum of £18,-noble, considering that in the course nine months more than £100 has been raised by the same society in public collections, for chapel and educational purposes; a fact which speaks volumes in favour of the voluntary principle, and demonstratively proves that our warm-hearted friends of Gold's Green, who for years have been famous for their liberal doing, are not weary in well doing. May the Lord reward their liberality by beautifying this house with salvation, is the earnest prayer of JORWERTH PREETHFAIN.

December 3.

We would respectfully suggest to our brethren at the head of this institution, the propriety of advertising their "rules," and other "arrangements." Confidence would then be increased, as to the safety of investment, and the capability of the managers to promote its success? If it started on "legal" basis, prosperity may be anticipated; if not thus based, that prosperity must be a vision.-EDITOR.

a

NORTH FRODINGHAM.-Our chapel anniversary (in the Driffield circuit) was held on Friday the 25th November, by a tea meeting which was well attended; the proceeds, £3. 9s. 6d. A public meeting was held in the even ing, addressed by Bros. G. D. Hardwick, J. Petch, D. Plowman, and the Revs. J. Calvin, and J. Gibson. The chair was taken by Br. R. Huntsman, Our meeting was of a telling character; the congregation was much pleased and affected. The good things provided (most of them) were brought gratuitously, for which the trustees feel grateful. On Sunday, 27th, two powerful sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Sharp, from the far West of America. The collections were £2 2s. 44d. Miss H. Chapel, box, 12s. 6d. Thus, the clear to the trust fund of the chapel was, £6 4s. 6d. Our voluntary system is the strength of Primitive Methodism.—A LOCAL PREACHER.

A PROSE DICTIONARY: From Pollock's "Course of Time." (BY THE EDITOR.)

4.-AMBITION. From the beginning, two principles strove in human nature, (still dividing man) sloth, and activity; the lust of praise, and indolence that rather wished to sleep. And not unfrequently, in the same mind, they held dubious contest. One gaining, now, and now the other crowned, and both again keeping the field, fought with equal combat. Their voice was much different. Ambition called to action, sloth invited to repose. Ambition rose early, and, being up, ardently toiled, and retired late to rest. Sloth lay till mid-day, turning on his couch, like a ponderous door upon its weary hinge. Having rolled him out with much ado, many a dismal sigh, and vain attempt, he sauntered out, carelessly accoutred. the object down on which its burden fell; an hour or two, then (with a With half-opened, misty, and unobservant eye, somniferous, that weighed groan) retired to rest again. The one, whatever deed had been achieved, thought it too little and the praise too small. The other tried to think (for thinking so answered his purpose best) that what of great mankind could do, had been done already; and, therefore, calmly laid him down to sleep.

the sources of delight. As infinite as were the lips that drank. And to 5.-AMUSEMENTS. (a). Abundant and diversified above all number were the pure, all innocent and pure. To wisest men, the simplest still the best. One made acquaintanceship with plants and flowers, and grew happy in telling all their names. One classed the quadrupeds; a third, the fowls; another found his joy in minerals. And I have seen a man, a worthy man, (nade by himself) beheld its wondrous eye, and fine plumage, for perfect (in happy mood) conversing with a fly. And as he through his glass, joy, he scarcely kept from leaping. (b). Inventive men were paid (at public cost) to plan new modes of sin. The Holy Word of God was burned with loud acclamations. New tortures were invented for the good; for still some good remained, as whiles through sky of thickish clouds, a wandering star appeared, new oaths of blasphemy were framed and sworn. And men grew in reputation, as the stature of their crimes grew. Faith was not found. Truth was not found. Truth, always scarce; so scarce, that, in ordinary times, half the misery which groaned on earth, daily coming forth, of disappointment from broken promises, that might have ne'er been made, or being made, might have been kept. Justice and mercy, too, were rare, obscured in cottage garb. The beggar, rotted, starving in his rags, before the palace door. And the orphan child laid down his head on the threshold of luxurious domes, and died. Nor unamusing was his piteous cry to women, who had now laid tenderness aside, best pleased with sights of cruelty. When fouler lusts would give them time, flocking to horrid spectacles of blood, where men, or guiltless beasts, (that seemed to look to heaven, with eye imploring vengeance on the earth) were tortured for the merriment of kings!

babe; 'twas brought, and placed by her. She looked upon its face, that 6. ANGEL OF THE COVENANT. The mother made a sign, to bring her neither smiled, nor slept, nor knew who gazed upon it, and laid her hand upon its little beast. With look that seemed to penetrate the heavens, she sought for it unutterable blessings; such as God only granted to dying parents, for infants left behind them in the world. "God keep my child," come! And (faithful to his promise) stood prepared to walk with her we heard her say, and heard no more. The Angel of the Covenant was through death's dark vale. And now her eyes grew bright, and still brighter;-too bright for ours to look upon-suffused with many tears, and closed without a cloud. They sit, as the morning star sits, which goes not down behind the darkened west, nor hides, obscured among the tempests of the sky, but melts into the light of heaven!

Our Correspondents' Post Office.

1 NO ARTICLE from a correspondent can be inserted (under any circumstances), unless his real name and address accompany it. Anonymous signatures may likewise be appended, if preferred for publication. 2. POSTAGE STAMPS may now be sent instead of money orders.

3. ARTICLES for insertion must reach our office, on or before the 12th of the month, and must be post paid. Rejected articles cannot be returned. ** Enquiries answered to the best of our ability.

Orders and Payments, as the case may be, acknowledged fromStratford-on-Avon-Weardale-Beverley-Sheffield - Belper-Ollerton

Leighton Buzzard-Newcastle-Haslingden-Durham-LeamingtonAndover Hull-Newport - Oxford-Todmorden-FlamboroughMiddleton-Sunderland-Holyhead Gillingham, and York.

Paternoster Row.

"Well sounding verses are the charms we use,
Heroic rights and virtue to infuse:
Things of deep sense we may in prose unfold,
But they move more in lofty numbers told.
By the loud trumpet which our courage aids,

We learn that sound, as well as sense persuades."-Waller.

next.

Rustic. Your paper, founded on an article by Eta, may appear in Our Amicus. We shall be glad to see your "Reminiscences of by-gone Years. Queries. Our correspondent Amicus wishes us to open a place for Queries. He asks our correspondents to reply to When, and where was the first P. M. Missionary Meeting held "

"A Critique on the New Hymn Book." This is sent us as an advertisement for the present number. Advertisements moré particularly relate to business, and we know of nothing in justice or truth which would lead us wantonly to crush them. We are no more responsible for the operation of a book advertisement than of a medicine one which might be sent for our columns. It will appear in our next.

Durham. Our agent here has printed 1000 hand-bills respecting this Journal, and appended his name and address as "agent." This gratuitous service on our behalf is, we think, a plan easy, and worthy of general adoption. Fifty such men, crowned with proportionate success, would raise our circulation to an additional 1500!

A. M. C. Unquestioning faith in Methodism is gone. The Caste is bursting. If authority commands, it is now asked "Why?" The highest civil and ecclesiastical ruler is but human. But for these offices many men would stand out as specimens of ignorance patented! Errata. We beg to correct two misprints in our last. In "Notes" of a Tour, &c.," page 21, right-hand column, twelfth line from the top, for just, read first. In the 23rd line from top, for Iron church, read Tron church.

W. W. The "Nobleman's Daughter" has already appeared in several periodicals. We may, however, insert it in our next. No religious

news.

Subscriptions. In reply to numerous enquiries, we beg to state that we shall feel obliged by payments being made in advance. This will inconvenience but few of our subscribers.

E. F. We thank you for brotherly suggestions. What are your views of this number? Will it help us to achieve your desired circulation of 50,000?

C. E. says of the last issue, "charming!" What of this?

Leamington. Stamped copies can be regularly supplied if ordered in time. Are your copies to be stamped or unstamped for the future?

Jonadab, and others, write-"Your paper will never live if you stoop to the powers that be," &c., &c. Stooping requires explanation! But, in a word, we don't think this Journal was started to fling hot stones broad and long. If a stone now and then must pass through our sling, we will pick it up without bending in anger. If we cannot so pick it up we will let it lay!

Excelsior sends us a sovereign "to aid in the establishment of the Primitive Standard" Gratefully acknowledged and duly appropriated. Quarterly Meetings. Excelsior, A. M. C., and others, have resolved to bring this Journal before the circuit quarterly meetings. Thus providence defends the right! The Primitive Methodist Magazine closes the door against this paper, and others are rising up in all parts of the Connexion to welcome it! It is now a fair struggle between might and right!

J. Dodd. Your original poetry received. Good, but much too long for our limited space. A selection of verses in our next.

Eta. The "Funeral in the Country" shall have insertion. Glad to know that the Primitive Standard is "producing an impression."

Dr. Burns writes us, "I rejoice in your new effort to make the press more effective for good by your new and hopeful Journal. I shall be gratified by your complete success."

An Author writes" I am tired hearing of the rights of the preachers, and the rights of the laymen; let us have the rights of the people respected, then others will not be far away." Oblige us with the article on Hugh Bourne, "containing facts slipped over by his last biographer."

66

Beverley correspondent wishes us success, because, our Journal is just what was wanted in the Connexion." We will serve you in the matter named to the best of our ability.

Shakespeare's birthplace. Our agent here is "exceeding pleased with the last Primitive Standard, and thinks, if we go on as we have begun, success must crown our efforts.

JAMES DODD. With a Preface, and Editorial Corrections. By Rev. W. ANTLIFF." London: Ward and Co., 27, Paternoster Row; and all Booksellers. 1853. 18mo., cloth, lettered. 1s. THIS poetic volume is doubly acceptable, and interesting to us, from the circumstances of its author and editor. The former is a young farmer, and the latter a Primitive Methodist Minister. Together, they have issued as excellent a volume as we have seen for some time. We purpose enriching our pages with an extract, occasionally. We cordially recommend this shilling volume to all lovers of poetry; promising they will find herein, originality and poetry presented in a sweet yet inspiring language.

Poet's Corner.

JOHN LITTLEJOHN.
John Littlejohn was staunch and strong,
Upright and downright, scorning wrong;
He gave good weight, and paid his way,
He thought for himself, and said his say.
Whenever a rascal strove to pass,
Instead of silver, money of brass,

He took his hammer, and said with a frown,
"The coin is spurious, nail it down."
When told that kings had right divine,
And that the people were herds of swine,
That nobles alone were fit to rule,
That the poor were unimproved by school,
That ceaseless toil was the proper fate
Of all but the wealthy and the great,
John shook his head, and said with a frown,
"The coin is spurious, nail it down."
When told that events might justify
A false and crooked policy,

That a decent hope of future good
Might excuse departure from rectitude,
That a lie if white was a small offence,

To be forgiven by men of sense,

"Nay, nay," said John, with a sigh and a frown, "The coin is spurious, nail it down."

When told from the pulpit or the press

That heaven was a place of exclusiveness,
That none but those could enter there
Who knelt with the "orthodox" at prayer,
And held all virtues out of their pale

As idle works of no avail,

John's face grew dark, as he said with a frown. "The coin is spurious, nail it down."

C. MACKAY.

THE LONDON MARKETS. From the "Times" of Tuesday, Dec. 27th. CORN-EXCHANGE, Tuesday, Dec. 27. The upward movement in prices which commenced about a fortnight ago has continued, and the rise since we last addressed our readers has amounted to 3s. and 4s. per quarter at most of the provincial markets. The advance has been most decided in those parts of the country where no stocks of foreign wheat were held, and where buyers have consequently had to depend entirely on the growers for supplies.

of wheat has not yet reached the maximum, it is quite possible that a period Notwithstanding the many causes to induce us to believe that the price of calm may succeed to the excitement of the last few weeks. Present rates are too high to hold out inducement to speculative investments. The continental demand appears for the present to be satisfied, and our principal millers having lately bought rather extensively, may, and probably will, pause for a time. SMITHFIELD MARKET, Monday Dec. 26. The trade was better to-day for mutton, and the price was 2d. per stone dearer. Beef was rather slow, at last Friday's prices. Veal was lower in price, and the trade was extremely inactive.

Printed by JOHN WOMBELL, at his Printing Office, Bath Street, Ilkeston, in the County of Derby; and published by THOMAS CHURCH, at the "Primitive Standard" Office, Swan Chambers, 41, Gresham Street, City, London, on Monday, Jan. 2nd., 1854.

THE

PRIMITIVE

UNSTAMPED, 2D. STAMPED, 3D.

R. A.

Q. "Dr. Burns, what did he say?"

A. "I consider the work well adapted to strengthen the faith, and cheer the hope of all who are labouring in the cause of Christ. Is such the treatment God's servants have met with in old Gospel England?"

"There is much which excites our admiration, and praise." M. N. Connection Mag. "It may be read with interest and profit."Primitive Meth. Mag.

"Mr. Church has done good service to the Primitives and religion in general, by this publication."-Brewin Grant's Magazine

"This is a very instructive production."British Banner.

"The Church of Christ is indebted to you greatly for preserving in so simple and available a form, records of such importance." Dr. Melson, of Birmingham.

See also the "Eclectic Review," August, 1853.

KAYE'S

WORS DELL'S

tions of the Religious Press.

3. The "Seraph." Eulogised by the Primitive Methodist Magazine," and Wesley

MOTES of most Distinguished Men of this and other countries-Divines, Missionaries, Poets, Statesmen, Kings, and Heroes, by MATTHEW Banner."

DENTON.

"The selection is excellent, comprising a great variety of interesting facts; and is remarkably

suitable to teachers and village preachers, while

THE BEST FAMILY MEDICINE.

RANTED

it will form excellent reading for the christian, and, indeed, for everybody."-Christian Witness. "We commend the book, it recognizes a great truth-the power of illustration, drawn from the facts and experiences of human life, to enforce principles, and impress the practical lesson of wisdom lastingly on the memory."-Noncon- OSPEL VICTORIES:" Or Missionary formist.

REVIEWS,

QUESTION. "What was it the Wesleyan Association Magazine' Editor said?"

ANSWER. "A very interesting work, and well calculated to excite efforts to extend the triumphs of the Gospel."

Q."Does not the Wesley Banner' wave in

THE VILLAGE, AND OTHER POEMS, Religious and Miscellaneous. By JAMES DODD. With a preface, and editorial correc-its favour?” tions, by W. ANTLIFF; author of "A Funeral Sermon for Mr. H. Bourne," "A Lecture on the Protestant Reformers and the Reformation," &c.

Price one shilling. "A charming little book."

Now ready.

A. "When the laurels of heroes shall have faded, and the monuments of statesmen crumbled into dust, these preachers' names shall be found inscribed on imperishable annals. The volume cannot fail to be useful."

Q.

66

What did the 'Local Preacher's Maga

zine' say?" A.

"We revere the memory of these

FROM ALL CRUDITIES AND
VITIATED SECRETIONS.

They are invaluable to Persons suffering from Asthma, Bilious Attacks, Consumption, Dropsy, Diarrhoea, Eruption of the Skin, Flatulency, General Debility, Gout, Gravel, Headache, Indigestion, Influenza, Liver Complaints, Piles, Rheumatism, Stomach Complaints, Scrofula, Sore Legs, Ulcers, Worms; &c.

TO EMIGRANTS.

Much inconvenience from Sea Sickness may be prevented by taking a few doses prior to sailing, and in our Colonies they are very highly esteemed. The Rev. W. COGGIN, writing from Van Diemen's Land, says, "All who have tried them regretted that they had not been supplied in the Colony earlier, considered their

PRIMITIVE METHODISTS.

The lapse of half a century is generally sufficient to produce in most religious bodies a defined organization, and a regulated mode of action. As the body grows and gets consolidated, its spirit becomes less adventurous and more conservative, disusing by degrees the extraordinary means of working on the public mind, by which in general the enthusiastic energy of the founders of new sects displays itself. Upon the other hand, it not unnaturally occurs that, after some such interval when, probably, the sect betrays diminished progress, and perhaps exerts diminished influence upon the poorer classes, who at first were its special triumph-some may look with fond regret upon the methods, vigorous, though novel, which, in early times, produced a potent and, it may be thought, a salutary impression even on the rudest auditory. To the operation of a feeling somewhat

of this character it is that the existence of the "Primitive Methodist Connexion" is to be attributed. The early progress of Wesleyan Methodism was distinguished, and perhaps promoted, by the general adoption of fieldpreaching-services protracted to unusual length—and similar expedients for gaining access to those classes of the population which had proved invulnerable by the usual agencies. In portions of America, immense assemblages were sometimes gathered in the open country, where, in a species of encampment, they remained for several days in constant attendance on exciting and prolonged religious services. About the commencement of the present century, certain among the Wesleyans (and conspicuously Hugh Bourne and William Clowes) began to put in practice a revival of these modes of operation, which, as already intimated, had by that time been abandoned by the then consolidated body. The Conference of 1807 affirmed a resolution adverse to such unprescribed expedients; and the consequence of this disapprobation was the birth of the Primitive Methodist Connexion,-the first class being formed at Standley, in Staffordshire, in 1810. The following table, furnished by the Conference itself, will show the progress made by the Connexion since that period:

These statistics refer as well to the foreign stations of the Connexion as to England and Wales; but the deduction to be made upon this account will not exceed two or three per cent. of the above figures. The number of chapels, &c., returned by the Census officers was only 2,871; so that many of the above must probably be small rooms, which thus escaped the notice of the enumerators. The number of connexional circuits and missions is altogether, 313, of which, 13 are in Canada, 2 in South Australia, 1 in New South Wales, 1 in Victoria, and 3 in New Zealand. The "Missions,” whether abroad or at home, are localities in which the labours of the Preachers are remunerated not from local sources, but from the circuit

contributions, or from the general funds of the Connexion appropriated to

missions.

The doctrines held by the Primitive Methodists are precisely similar to those maintained by the original Connexion, and the outline of their ecclesiastical polity is also similar, the chief distinction being the admission, by the former body, of lay representatives to the Conference, and the generally greater influence allowed, in all the various courts, to laymen.

The stipends of the regular Itinerating Preachers are fixed by the Con

ference regulations. The existing rules provide, that to every married

Preacher and his wife shall be allowed 19s. per week, with 2s. per week additional for each child under sixteen years of age, and the use, for 4s. per annum, of a furnished house or rooms. This allowance is, in certain circumstances, subject to reduction; and an unmarried Preacher gets but £16 a year with £10 a year for lodgings, board, and washing. Females are permitted, by the laws of the Connexion, to preach, if qualified; but the number of such is now much fewer than some years ago: at present there is only one among the travelling (or regular) Preachers, though several are to be found engaged as Local Preachers.

The code of discipline to which the Travelling Preachers are subjected is of considerable strictness, and the rules by which their ministerial duties are prescribed suggest a life of arduous and constant labour.

These are the principal distinctive features of the body. In all things else, whatever is characteristic of the "Original Connexion" is applicable to the body now described. Its sphere of operations is, however, much more exclusively among the poor; numbers of whom, no doubt, who probably would never venture to the formal meetings of the other sects, are found attending the out-door preaching, or engaging in the cottage services conducted by the Primitive Methodists.

The following list comprises the principal religious and benevolent Societies or funds supported by the Primitive Methodist community.

A TRIFLE.-One kernel is felt in a hogshead; one drop of water helps to swell the ocean; a spark of fire helps to give light to the world. You are a small man; passing amid the crowd, you are hardly noticed; but you have a drop, a spark within you, that may be felt through eternity. Do you believe it? Set that drop in motion; give wings to that spark, and behold the results. It may renovate the world. None are too small, too feeble, too poor to be of service. Think of this, and act. Life is no trifle. A REMARK was once truthfully made by Ralph Waldo Emerson, that the girl at the spinning-frame tied a broken thread so carelessly, that when the fabric was woven and dressed, it was imperfect, and the master traced it back to the girl who carelessly caused it, and she was made to pay the damage. So it will be with us, if we do not exert a good influence on society; there will be a damaged woof, a faulty thread, and the Great Master will trace the fault to its source.

LAZINESS.-Laziness grows on people; it begins in cobwebs, and ends in iron chains. The more business a man has to do the more he is able to accomplish, for he learns to economize his time.

AN Indian plant, as good as gutta percha, has been found. Its milky juice, when dried, becomes tough and hard. The chemical tests correspond exactly with the established results of gutta percha. It becomes plastic in hot water, and has been moulded into cups and vessels. It will unite with the true gutta percha. It also produces an excellent fibre, useful in the place of hemp and flax. It is called the Muddur plant of India (Asclepia gigantes).

CONTENTMENT.-A contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can

enjoy in this world; and if, in the present life, his happiness arises from the subduing of his desires, it will arise in the next from the gratification of them.

THE MODEL LADY.-The model lady puts her children out to nurse and tends lap-dogs;- lies in bed till noon;-wears paper-soled shoes, and pinches her waist;-gives the piano fits, and forgets to pay her mil

liner;-cuts her poor relations, and goes to church when she has a new bonnet ;-turns the cold shoulder to her husband, and flirts with his friend;"'-never saw a thimble ;-don't know a darning needle from a crowbar;-wonders where puddings grow;-eats ham and eggs in private, and dines on a pigeon's leg in public;-runs mad after the last new fashion;-doats on Byron ;-adores any man who grins behind a moustache; and when asked the age of her youngest child, replies, "Don't

know, indeed; ask Betty!"—Fanny Fern.

HINTS TO YOUNG MEN.-Always have a book within your reach, which you may catch up at your odd minutes. Resolve to edge in a little reading every day, if it is but a single sentence. If you can give fifteen minutes a day, it will be felt at the end of the year. Regulate your thoughts when not at study. A man is thinking even while at work. Why may he not be thinking about something that is useful? Revolve in your mind what you have last been reading.

DESCRIPTION OF GRATTAN.-At length the door opened, and in hopped a small, bent figure, meagre, yellow, and ordinary; one slipper and one shoe; his breeches' knees loose; his cravat hanging down; his shirt and coat sleeves tucked up high, and an old hat upon his head.—Barrington's Sketches.